juréis

Juráis refers to the plural form of "jurado," which denotes a jury or panel of jurors in legal contexts. The term originates from Latin "iurare," meaning "to swear an oath," reflecting the sworn duty jurors have in legal proceedings.

In legal systems that employ jury trials, a juráis typically consists of a group of citizens selected to hear evidence and testimony in court cases. These individuals are chosen through a process called voir dire, where attorneys and judges question potential jurors to ensure impartiality and suitability for service.

The composition and size of juráis varies by jurisdiction and case type. In the United States, criminal trials usually require 12 jurors, while civil cases may use fewer. Some countries employ mixed systems with professional judges alongside lay jurors.

Members of juráis have the fundamental responsibility of determining facts based on presented evidence and applying those facts to reach verdicts. They must follow legal instructions provided by judges and deliberate in private until reaching unanimous or majority decisions, depending on local requirements.

The concept of juráis represents a cornerstone of democratic legal systems, ensuring that ordinary citizens participate directly in justice administration. This system aims to prevent arbitrary judicial decisions by involving community members in legal outcomes. Jurors are typically selected randomly from voter registrations or driver license records to maintain representativeness.

Service on juráis is generally considered a civic duty, though it can be legally mandated. Participants are usually compensated minimally for their time and may receive protections against employment discrimination during service periods.

The institution of juráis has evolved significantly over centuries, with modern systems incorporating safeguards against bias and ensuring fair representation. While jury trials remain important in common law countries, many civil law jurisdictions have adopted alternative forms of citizen participation or rely primarily on professional judges for fact-finding.